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CAN YOU DIE FROM TOO MUCH CAFFEINE?

Last month a 16 year old high school student from South
Carolina collapsed during class, according to the county coroner, too much
caffeine caused the death.

During an arrhythmia, or abnormal heart rhythm, the heart
may not be able to pump enough blood to the body, and lack of blood flow
affects the brain, heart and other organs.

The teen consumed three caffeine-laced drinks -- a cafe
latte, large Diet Mountain Dew and an energy drink -- in a two-hour period
before collapsing in his classroom at Spring Hill High School on April 26,
Watts said. (Source: CNN)

How much caffeine can I drink a day?

Most people can safely take in about 400 milligrams of
caffeine daily or about 4 cups of coffee, the limit varies from person to
person.

It’s difficult to assign an exact amount for everyone
because people can have different sensitivities or reactions to caffeine based
on age, medical history, and tolerance.

However, there is enough research available to make a
recommendation based on an individual’s weight.

To keep it safe, health experts recommend a maximum dose
of 4 cups a day or 400 milligrams.

To see what this means for you, check out the caffeine in
some of these common drinks:

How can caffeine kill?

In excess, the effects can be deadly by causing a heart
attack, stroke or other cardio-vascular-related problem.

Researchers think daily caffeine intake can increase the
risk of coronary heart disease, but the results so far have been inconclusive.

It’s also important to realize that medical conditions can affect
sensitivity to caffeine.

There are “caffeine overdose symptoms” that are important
to watch for. These include:

Jitters, Restlessness, and Nervousness

Increased heartbeat

Nausea

Anxiety

Heart palpitations (cardiac arrhythmia)

Insomnia

Sweating

Dizziness

Vomiting

Cardiac arrest

If you have anxiety, panic disorder, heart arrhythmia, high
blood pressure, diabetes, take medication or have any sort of medical
condition, then you may tolerate less caffeine and should speak to a doctor.